2021 Audi Q5
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 30 |
| 2010 | 99 |
| 2011 | 141 |
| 2012 | 168 |
| 2013 | 89 |
| 2014 | 104 |
| 2015 | 97 |
| 2016 | 76 |
| 2017 | 42 |
| 2018 | 195 |
| 2019 | 47 |
| 2020 | 22 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 37 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
33% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Q5 HAS A VERY SERIOUS DEFECT, THAT IS, THERE IS A GATEWAY MODULE LOCATED UNDER THE REAR SEAT CUSHION/CUP HOLDER. ALL OF THE COMMUNICATIONS TO ALL THE CONTROLLERS GO THROUGH THIS LITTLE BOX.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210106
25% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Reverse car went full throttle, brakes did not work, car stopped in reverse when it hit a tree. Seat belt did not tighten,
NHTSA ODI report, 20240604
When driving in extreme cold (ambient temperatures of -35 or colder) and I reach a speed of 50mph or higher, my engine fails.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231014
14% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 6 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Campaign 21V295000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021.
Campaign 21V606000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Campaign 21V947000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022.
Campaign 22V034000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Campaign 22V742000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022.
Campaign 22V753000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations.
Campaign 23V842000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
Remedy: Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software , free of charge. Volkswagen will monitor available online vehicle data and contact owners as necessary, to advise them not to charge the vehicle until the battery can be replaced.
Campaign 25V080000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Audi Q5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V295000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V606000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V947000 (electrical system, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V034000 (suspension, tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V742000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V753000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V842000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V080000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Audi Q5 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Audi Q5 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi Q5?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi Q5 have?
8 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.